Category Archives: Direction

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Anchored in Hope in a World of Instability

Posted on by yolandaberry
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Every day, headlines remind us that the world feels increasingly uncertain. From ongoing conflicts and economic instability to rising living costs and the quiet weight of personal struggles, many people are navigating a constant undercurrent of pressure and fear. The digital age amplifies it all: Bad news travels faster, lingers longer, and often leaves us feeling overwhelmed or powerless. In times like these, hope can feel fragmented or non-existent. It is precisely in seasons of uncertainty that hope becomes not just necessary, but a divine gift. It’s a steady anchor that keeps us grounded, resilient, and moving forward despite what we see around us.

Everyone handles obstacles, challenges and opposition differently. How do you react or respond to turmoil? Hope is an underestimated response to trauma and crisis.

How you’re able to cope with change determines how you will go through difficult seasons in life. Adaptability is priority in shifting seasons.

There are some people who live a very meticulous life. They’re very calculated. They dot their I’s and cross their T’s. Their life has order and structure. They set goals and meet them. Life has balance and everything adds up. If it doesn’t, they cannot handle it. They may find it hard to adapt to change. Their plans are made and they cannot deal with distractions or obstacles that deter or disrupt their schedules.

There are also another group of people who live a carefree life. They don’t set goals. They live on a whim. They do not care about much in life. They live reckless lives. They tend to believe everything is someone else’s fault and they do not take accountability for their actions. They believe they’re the victim and that the world owes them something. They’re careless and do not value anything. It shows in how they treat people and how they treat themselves as well as how they take care of their possessions. They are poor stewards to what has been given to them. They play Russian Rolette with their life.

There are another group of people who never expected much out of life. They play it safe so life won’t disappoint them. They move through life with caution or skepticism. They may look at others and desire their goals, aspirations and to acquire what they have but do not want to work to achieve it. They have a “One day or Some day” I’ll do it mentality. They tend to procrastinate. They roll the dice and call it a day.

Lastly, another group of people have high expectations in life. They planned for the future and set goals but somehow life didn’t turn out how they had planned. They took a wrong turn, made bad decisions or life simply was full of obstacles, challenges and opposition. They may have missed opportunities or constantly prepared for opportunities that never came but they do not grow weary or tired but carry strength and resilience despite the challenges in life.

You may find yourself in one of these descriptive categories or maybe a mixture of them. Either way, there is a big difference between luck, chance, wishing and hoping. Let’s look at the definition of luck.

LUCK (Noun)

  1. The force that seems to operate for good or ill in a person’s life, as in shaping circumstances, events or opportunities
  2. Good fortune; advantage or success, considered as the result of chance
  3. A combination of circumstances, events, etc. operating by chance to bring good or ill to a person
  4. Some object on which good fortune is supposed to depend. (EX: The rabbit foot is my lucky charm).

In the world, people believe in luck. They believe that circumstances led them to success, usually by their own actions or by serendipity. They believe they’ve designed their own destinies by the choices they’ve made in life or things just fell into place by luck.

However, they do not acknowledge or believe in the divine plan of the Lord and the divine order He has for their life. In Isaiah 46:10 it states, “Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure”

CHANCE (Noun)

  1. The absence of any cause of events that can be predicted, understood, or controlled: Often personified or treated as a positive energy.
  2. Luck or fortune
  3. A possibility or probability of anything happening
  4. An opportune or favorable time; opportunity.

CHANCE (Verb)

  • To happen or occur by chance
  • To take the chances; risks

In this culture, people take a lot of chances which is a series of random events or actions. However, as believers we are encouraged to believe in God’s favor, promises and blessings over our lives. We do not leave our life to chance. In life there will be unpredictable events and circumstances, but we should have a strong belief in the sovereignty of God and put our trust in Him.

11 I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happened to them all.

Eccl 9:11

In Prov 19:33 it states, “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the Lord.”

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.

Jer 29:11

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jer 29:11

WISH (Verb)

  1. To wish; desire; long for
  2. To desire (a person or thing) to be (as specified).
  3. To make a wish

WISH (Noun)

  1. An act or instance of wishing
  2. A request or command

Throughout childhood, wishing has been implanted in us. In Disney movies, wishing and magic are the driving force to making dreams come true. Magic wands, crystal balls and fairy dust are some of the whimsical methods they use to enchant children. Some people believe that wishing is harmless however wishing is void of God. We should seek the Lord in prayer and align with God’s will. In 1 John 5:14-15 it states, “14 This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. 15 And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.

However, we should not ask in selfish gain or selfish motives. Often when people are done wrong, they wish bad on others but the Lord is our contender. He will consume the enemy. In Rom 12:14-21 it states, “14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”[b] says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him;  if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good.”

One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.

Psalm 27:4

HOPE (Noun)

  1. The feeling that what is wanted can be had or that events will turn out for the best
  2. A particular instance of this feeling

Hope (Verb)

  1. To look forward to with desire and reasonable confidence
  2. To believe, desire or trust.
  3. To feel that something desired may happen
  4. To place trust, rely in

Unfortunately, we live in a society that is losing hope. Hope is vital to survival. Hope is underestimated but it’s literally as powerful as faith. Without hope, people commit suicide. Without hope, people give up on their dreams. Without hope, people fall into depression, discouragement and despair. Without hope, people don’t have strength to keep going. Hope sounds like a weakness almost like you’re leading life by chance, but in reality, it’s the driving force to resilience. Hope keeps you moving forward despite the curve balls life throws at you.

In a world where uncertainty often feels louder than reassurance, hope is not a passive feeling. Hope is a conscious decision. You choose to believe that what lies ahead can still be good, even when the present feels heavy. Hope doesn’t ignore reality; it strengthens us to face it with courage, clarity, focus, and faith. When everything around us shifts, our faith becomes the steady foundation we stand on, while hope reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the story. By holding onto hope, we not only uplift ourselves but also can encourage others to keep going. And in times like these, we need to walk in obedience and seek the Lord for His divine purpose and plan for our life.

If you just happened to come across this website, don’t let this be where your journey with hope end. let it deepen. If you’re ready to anchor your life in truth and strengthen your faith in uncertain times, download your free Bible Study Guide “Anchored in Hope” today. It’s designed to help you reflect, grow, and hold onto hope through every season. Click below to get your copy to grow and strengthen your relationship with Christ.

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In the Little Things

Posted on by yolandaberry
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One thing I’ve noticed about the Lord is that He operates in seasons, patterns and cycles. He also delights in the small things. Throughout the Bible, the Lord showed His power through operating in small things and making something out of nothing. Jesus multiplied seven loaves and two fishes to feed 5000 people. The woman and her son had more than enough oil and flour during a famine to feed Elijah while trusting in God’s promises. 1 Kings 17 Another woman multiplied her oil and sold it to pay off her debts. 2 Kings 4.1

In Matt 17:20 Jesus says, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”

When you’re rooted in God, even your minuet ability to believe ignites the magnitude of God’s power. We live in a world where seeing is believing but in the supernatural, we walk by faith and not by sight. As the world continues to grow in darkness, chaos, and deception, we should hold fast to our faith and the promises of God. Do not despise the day of small beginnings. Zech 4:10 The Lord works His greatest miracles when we take insignificant steps of faith despite unknown outcome.

As we enter a new year, a new week, and a new day, whatever goals, plans, projects or assignments you’re considering, let it be a small step in the direction of elevation and progress. No matter how small it looks, the Lord will breathe on your movement of faith in action. The Lord will show Himself strong and mighty in the midst of unclarity, chaos or confusion. For God is not the author of confusion. 1 Corth 14:33 The Lord desires peace, order, and structure.

When you step out in faith, the Lord will meet you exactly where you are. In Proverbs 15:16, it states, “Better is a little with the fear of the Lord, than great treasures with trouble.” The Lord will prepare you for development, growth and capacity. There is a divine process which includes different stages and levels of development and growth to enable you to handle capacity. You cannot rush the process. The Lord will shape your character and every challenging experience that you walked through to be able to handle the pressure, weight and depth of your growth for the expansion of capacity. Your gifts, talents, abilities, and interests are packaged for your calling, purpose and assignment. Do not limit the Lord. He is omniscience, omnipotent and omni present. (Psalm 139, Isaiah 46:10, Psalm 139:1-4)

In Proverbs, 16:8-9 it states, “Better is a little with righteousness, than vast revenues without justice.” A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.” Every step is a step in development leading to growth.

The Seed of Spiritual Development

Based on my experience, here are three spiritual growth phases. This is by no means the actual blueprint for your life process but only as a reference point. The Lord will divinely guide your path according to His will and plans for your life.

The Development Process

When you’re entering the phase of development. It is a season of preparation. It’s a time of exploring, discovering. experimenting and learning new things of interest. It’s a time of failure and pruning. It can be an uncomfortable process yet a time of self-discovery and fulfillment. It’s a space to embrace creativity. You may feel pulled in several directions or have no direction at all. It’s a time of isolation and idle time. Movement is slow paced. It’s a time to listen and be still.

The Growth Process

The growth process stretches you into the unknown. You seek clarity and wisdom. You do not dismiss any ideas but keep record of them. You are placed in harsh conditions to rely on God as your source. You’re constantly learning and possibly shifting to new areas to expand your knowledge and experiences. Your spiritual life becomes more tangible. You don’t see the world at surface level but understand there’s much more to life than material gain and success. Your values, morals, disciplines and principles are defined and aligned with the Lord.

The Expansion Process

The phase of expansion draws you even closer to the Lord. All reliance is based on confiding in the Lord for next steps. Courage, strength and resilience will knock on your door as you walk through higher levels of spiritual elevation and revelation. Although you may still struggle with fear or doubt, it doesn’t have the same power over you. You have authority over it. You will increase your capacity to handle tension and unstable environments with ease because you understand the power comes from the Lord who gives you the strength to overcome every scheme, plot or plan of the enemy. The creativity and ideas that the Lord has placed within you begin to surface like a seed planted in fertile ground. The years of development and growth take shape and blossom like cypress tree.

Characteristic of a cypress tree searched on Google:

Key Characteristics

  • Foliage: Typically small, scale-like leaves that hug the stems, giving a feathery look, though young plants have needle-like leaves.
  • Shape: Often conical or columnar, but can vary by species.
  • Cones: Small, woody, and round (globose).
  • Bark: Varies but often peels in strips.
  • Habitat: Many prefer moist or wet conditions, like the Bald Cypress, which thrives in water

13 Instead of the thorn shall come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off. Isaiah 55:13

Trust in the plan that God has for your life. He is faithful to complete the work that He has entrusted you with. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Phil 1;6

Characteristics of a myrtle tree researched on Google:

True Myrtle (Myrtus communis)

  • Description: An evergreen shrub or small tree with fragrant leaves and sweet-smelling white flowers, producing dark berries.
  • Origin: Native to the Mediterranean region.
  • Uses: Culinary (spices), medicinal (essential oils), ornamental, and symbolic in traditions for love, beauty, and devotion. 

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Related Bible Verses

Hosea 14:8

8 Ephraim shall say, What have I to do any more with idols? I have heard him, and observed him: I am like a green fir tree. From me is thy fruit found.

Luke 16:10

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

1 Corth 1:28

28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are,

James 3:3-5

3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Prov 30:24-28

“Four things on earth are small,
    yet they are extremely wise:
25 Ants are creatures of little strength,
    yet they store up their food in the summer;
26 hyraxes are creatures of little power,
    yet they make their home in the crags;
27 locusts have no king,
    yet they advance together in ranks;
28 a lizard can be caught with the hand,
    yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

1 Corth 1:27

27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

Read more on the blog

The Pivotal Turning Point in America

Posted on by yolandaberry
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College students in classroom, Education

This has been a horrific week. For the past few days, I’ve watched countless videos of Charlie Kirk’s debates. I don’t follow politics besides watching the debates prior to the presidential elections. Unfortunately, I have never heard of him until the shooting that took place a few days ago. I’ve been quite numb trying to gather my thoughts on this whole thing.

Freedom of speech will not be silenced due to the lack of intolerance of differences in views, perspectives, beliefs, opinions and values. No one should be murdered for their beliefs or viewpoints. No one should be murdered period. We have witness countless shootings in schools, churches, concerts, major venues, public transportation, and in the streets of our communities.

On the anniversary of 911 this is a tragedy to witness the extremes of the changes that have taken place in America. This is not who we are and not what we stand for. I’m disgusted with the violence in this country. I’m disguised by the celebrations taken place by someone losing their life. This is an outrage and has created a Holy Ghost roar in the Spirit. Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Prov 18:21.

In the Last Days, many hearts will grow cold. Lawlessness will rise. In 2 Tim:31-5, it states “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people.

You cannot silence the Word of God. His Word is a two-edged sword; it penetrates dividing the soul and spirit. joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Heb 4:12

The truth digs deep and gets under the skin and exposes the evil and darkness in people’s hearts.

What I tell you in the dark, speak in daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops! Matt 10:27

We will not bow to fear. We will not be silenced. We will not compromise our faith, freedom, values or political views. This country was founded on Biblical principles, morals and values. Let God arise and let our enemies be scattered. Psalm 68:1

God is jealous, and the Lord revengeth; the Lord revengeth, and is furious; the Lord will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
The Lord is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked.

Nahum 1:1-3

The Lord led me to read Nahum a few weeks ago. Nahum was an Old Testament prophet who has not been mentioned much or at all in church sermons. Nahum pronounced God’s judgement against the nation of Assyria. Nineveh was the ancient capital city of the Assyrian Empire. There was a great rise and fall in the Assyrian nation which was taken over by the Babylonians. In 612 B.C. Nineveh was destroyed as the prophet Nahum warned.

Ninevah, much like today’s modern cities in America, was full of evil, and wickedness just like in the days of Noah. Jonah was called to deliver a message of repentance to the city. Jonah called a fast upon the city of Nineveh. The people were delivered and turned back to God and the city was restored.

5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 For word came unto the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered him with sackcloth, and sat in ashes.
7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything: let them not feed, nor drink water: 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and cry mightily unto God: yea, let them turn everyone from his evil way, and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and repent, and turn away from his fierce anger, that we perish not? 10 And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not.

Jonah 3:5-10

We are on the cusp of a turning point in America. The warning signs are all around us. Will we stand for holiness and righteousness, or will the hearts of many grow cold and callus as we falter into perverse, wickedness which has taken place in this nation and around the world?

I believe in humanity. I know there are still a multitude of people searching for God and want to get saved and baptized, learn more about God’s character, promises and principles and to do the right thing in their life. There are many others who are living for God and living as an example for Jesus Christ. Charlie Kirk was a great example of this.

Hope is not lost. It is found in opposition, chaos, conflict and strife. We must learn to be tolerant of other people’s differences, beliefs, perspectives and opinions even if we do not agree with them.

Jesus did not come to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved. John 3:17 God loves you so much that He gives you freedom of choice. You can believe how you want to believe, however “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [In other words, you choose not to believe] And this is the condemnation that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. But he who does the truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been done in God.” John 3:18-21

May our eyes be opened, may our hearts receive truth and fresh revelation of the Spirit and may our minds be transformed to the obedience of Christ. Let us carry boldness to stand in our faith, speak truth to the lost and stay prayerful with a repentance heart.

Much like in Nineveh, we must turn our hearts to the Lord to escape the destruction coming upon the land.

My heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the family and friends of Charlie Kirk. He is resting with Lord in peace. To God be the Glory who is found in Jesus name!

Additional Bible Reading

14 If my people, which are called by my name, will humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. 2 Chron 7:14

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Rom 12:2

18 The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Luke 12:12

19 So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west, and his glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him. Isaiah 59:19

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. 19 Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel, 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should. Eph 6:10-20

4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4

Ye though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Psalm 23:4

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